Lucky's Story

Some years ago, we lived in the end unit of a small condominium complex with a back deck that overlooked a seasonal creek and a small year-round lake that attracted ducks and geese and occasionally a white egret or a blue heron. We believed we had the nicest condo setting in the bunch. My husband and I spent much of our time on that back deck, enjoying summers listening to the wildlife, and winters watching silent snow fall on the empty field spread out behind us. Every season brought unique beauty to our little corner of the world, and we were grateful.

In the empty field on the other side of the creek, there was an old barn used mostly for farm equipment and supplies. The cows that lived in the field would frequently roam by, pushing their giant heads through the wire fence that ran alongside the creek, reaching for those few irresistible blades of grass. It happened one day, that a cow reached so far, she popped right through to our side of the fence. The neighbors gathered, wondering what to do. Some wanted to call authorities, others just wanted to fire up their BBQs, but then a kid living nearby came over knowing just how to handle the situation and the cow was back on her side in no time. Funny how we still laugh about that incident.

Everyone that lived in the complex was very nice. Cats were common pets there, so we had the pleasure of frequent visitors including a little Siamese that would gently "knock" on our front door to announce her visit. Living across the way were a mom and her two daughters who eventually acquired a new addition to their own family; a black and white tuxedo kitten they named “Lucky.” This little guy was such a ball of fire, whenever I walked over to visit, he would fling himself at the screen door like a flying squirrel, arms outstretched and claws dug in, only to have his bravado deflated with a tug or two. Over time, however, I watched this wild little kitten grow up to be quite the noble little boy scout, from mastering acrobatics on the cyclone fence to *saving* baby ducks from the lake. We were told he had chased a German shepherd off the property once, but I'd have to have seen that one for myself!

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Over the years, this boy had indeed become “King of the Condos” and all other cats were of course inferior. Lucky spent his days perched on our back deck or exploring in the field, and many nights curled up at the foot of our bed. His family kept busy with work, school and social activities, so they didn’t seem to mind that he was spending much of his time with us. When the day came their condo was sold and they had to find another place to live, I offered to adopt Lucky. The offer was met with hesitation, but after a few days Lucky officially became ours. We were delighted to have him, and we were sure he was delighted to have us.

One day my husband saw Lucky on the levee near the lake with another cat. Since he bullied all other cats, it was hard to believe he’d befriended one, but then I saw it myself. There was Lucky with a white and gray tabby cat trailing behind him. We watched as they walked the levee, then crossed the trail across the creek right up onto our deck. Tabby cat was a bit cautious of us, but trusting of his new pal. He was a mouthy thing, quite obviously the result of a long over-due neutering. He didn’t appear to belong to anyone, so we decided to call him Cricket, named affectionately after the incessant critter living somewhere in our kitchen. We also got him fixed.

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Lucky and Cricket became inseparable, almost made for each other out of similar molds. Lucky had all pink pads and toes except for one black, and Cricket had all black pads and toes except for one pink. They loved to play and explore in the open field near the lake, working off each other's cues when attempting a catch or deciding a course of action. But as much as they loved the area, the day came when our condo had grown smaller, and our desire to own a home on land grew larger, so we bought a house in the forest making sure the surroundings would be acceptable to the boys.

Moving day came, and after several trips back and forth, our very last load to the new house included the cats. With mixed wonder and uncertainty, the cats endured the trip. At one point along the way, we glanced back at them and snapped an eternal memory of Cricket with his arms wrapped tightly around Lucky, both of them staring at us with big eyes. But after a short trip and a safe arrival at our new home, the boys took on their exploration of every nook and cranny. They chased each other up and down the stairs and dashed under beds playing hide and seek. Then after a few days, they decided their favorite spot was on a chair in front of the window or sitting in the windowsill, eagerly awaiting their vast new outdoor playground.

Two weeks passed when that day finally came. After much research and the gathering of various (albeit strange) opinions, we buttered their feet and set out to introduce them to that daunting yet fascinating picture from the living room window. We donned them in pretty new blue break-away collars, only to watch them come right off in seconds. After a few weeks of supervision, the cats learned to relish our company during their outings. Over the years, the highlight of each day was coming home to our boys and going for a walk. They loved going for walks. Like faithful companions, they’d stay close to us along any trail, always watching to be sure we were there. We became a team.

After time, however, our schedules often deprived us of our outings, and since the woods had gained our trust over the years, the boys learned to master the trails on their own, always returning safely to the comforts of home. Lucky had a knack for opening doors and became Cricket’s mentor in this talent. After a venture out on their own, the door would fly open with greetings from both. But if the door wasn’t cracked enough to push through, Lucky would simply ring the bells hanging from the doorknob outside in a polite request to be let in. No matter what, the boys were always home at night, snuggled in at the foot of the bed. Lucky liked to nest in the warm folds of our legs, while Cricket preferred to lie on his back with his arms stretched out overhead. We could all sleep well knowing the family was tucked in safe and sound for the night.

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Sometimes a seemingly picture-perfect chapter of life is interrupted by an unforeseen jolt that changes everything thereafter. I was home the day we lost Lucky. I was sitting on the couch and from the living room window, I saw Cricket climb the trellis and jump to the roof for safety. I went out to talk to him but he was clearly shaken by something he’d seen. I called for Lucky but he was nowhere. By noon that day, I knew something was terribly wrong. I searched for Lucky all day. By 4:00, I called my husband home. As we searched and called frantically, my worst fear was coming true as daylight was quickly turning to night. We decided to call off the search and wait. It was nearly bedtime when I was standing at our back door, crying out in total anguish for my little buddy, when all of a sudden the lights went out. Not only in the house, but in my heart and soul, a sign as if Lucky was acknowledging my pain and telling me goodbye. My little buddy never did come home.

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I’ve always had a bond with my pets and cared for them as best I could. Though I may not have been as knowledgeable as I am now, I can tell you this, I loved that cat with all my heart. He was my Lucky. He was my little buddy. We had a very special bond that I thought I’d never have with another cat. That was until Cricket became diabetic five months after the loss of Lucky. But that’s another story.

Lucky always struck me as an old soul and wise as an owl. He even resembled an owl with his big yellow-green eyes and professor-like white eyebrows. One evening, during the writing of this story, my husband came in and said there was an owl in a tree right outside the garage. He said he could walk right up to the owl, it was so friendly. I followed him out to the trees lining the driveway and there was the most beautiful little creature just hanging out on a limb. Sure enough, we could walk right up to this fearless little guy. We spent a few magical moments marveling at this opportunity, when it finally took flight into the darkness as the connection became apparent to me. My little buddy was okay.